Oral Tradition: Dramatic and Theatrical Concepts in ‘Bari’ Performances

Abstract

‘Bari’ performances refers to a traditional art in the form of oral tradition. It originates from east coast of Malaysia. At the beginning of its appearance, it served as the basis for other traditional performance, a medical platform and also as an entertainment platform. Through ‘Bari’ performances, a ‘Tok Bari’ plays his role as a narrator as well as an intermediary in delivering his performances or medicine. A research has been undertaken to identify the dramatic concepts that shape this art in addition to introducing the theatrical elements contained in ‘Bari’ performances. This effort is to enhance the understanding of the community while providing attractive value to ‘Bari’ performances. Dramatic concepts as well as theatrical elements are parsed using the approach of Aristotle Dramatic Theories. Through the process of analysis, this art is introduced as a dramatic and theatrical performance art because it contains elements of the formation of a performance such as spaces, languages, time, story collection, storytelling themes, plot and action as well as characters. The presence of melody, sound and music further strengthens its formation as a dramatic and theatrical performing art. It also shows its uniqueness when ‘Tok Bari’ who is identified as a shaman has the same role as an actor. This research attempts to find an alternative approach to documenting ‘Bari’ performances as one of the theatrical arts by emphasizing dramatic concepts in its performances.